How to Prepare for Waxing (and Make It Hurt Less)

Waxing gives you smooth skin for weeks — but if you've ever had a wax that stung more than it should, or left you with bumps and ingrown hairs, you'll know that preparation matters.

The good news? Most of what makes waxing comfortable happens before you arrive. A few simple steps can make your appointment quicker, less painful and much kinder to your skin.

Here's exactly how to prepare, whether you're booking legs, underarms, a Brazilian or a quick lip wax.

1. Get your hair length right

This is the most important step. Wax needs enough hair to grip.

• Ideal length: about 5 mm — roughly the length of a grain of rice.
• Timing: usually 2–3 weeks after shaving.
• Too short? The wax can't grip, so some hairs get left behind.
• Too long? It can pull more and hurt more. We can trim it first if needed.

2. Exfoliate — but not on the day

Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin and helps loosen hairs that might otherwise become ingrown.

• Exfoliate one or two days before your wax with a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt.
• Don't exfoliate on the day — freshly scrubbed skin is more sensitive.
• Avoid harsh scrubs on intimate areas; a soft cloth is enough.

3. Arrive with clean, dry, product-free skin

On the day of your appointment:

• Shower as normal and dry the area well.
• Skip body lotion, oil and deodorant on the area you're having waxed. They stop the wax gripping properly.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing — tight jeans rubbing freshly waxed skin is no fun.

4. Time it with your cycle

Many people find their skin is more sensitive just before and during their period. If you can, book your wax for the week or so after your period ends. It's not a rule, just a comfort tip.

5. Skip the extra coffee

Caffeine can make some people feel more sensitive. If you're nervous about pain, try skipping your usual coffee or energy drink before your appointment.

6. Check your skin and medication

Please don't book a wax on skin that is:

• Sunburnt, broken, cut or grazed
• Irritated, inflamed or infected
• Recently treated with a chemical peel or strong exfoliant

How to make waxing hurt less during your appointment

Breathe out as the wax comes off

It sounds simple, but a slow breath out at the moment the strip is removed really helps. Holding your breath makes you tense up.

Stay relaxed

Tense muscles make waxing feel sharper. Try to keep your shoulders and legs relaxed, and let us know if you need a moment.

Help us hold the skin taut

We may ask you to hold or stretch the skin in certain areas. Taut skin means a quicker, cleaner pull and less discomfort.

Talk to us

If something feels too sore, say so. We can slow down, work in smaller sections or give you a moment. Your comfort matters.

The quicker the wax comes off, the less it hurts. That's why confident, experienced hands make such a difference.

What to do after your wax

The first 24–48 hours are when your skin is most sensitive. Look after it and you'll avoid most redness, bumps and ingrown hairs.

A little redness straight after waxing is normal and usually settles within a few hours.

How to prevent ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs happen when a regrowing hair curls back into the skin instead of growing out. To help prevent them:

• Exfoliate gently a few times a week, starting 2–3 days after your wax.
• Moisturise daily with a light, unperfumed lotion.
• Wear breathable fabrics, especially after intimate waxing.
• Keep to a regular waxing routine rather than switching between waxing and shaving.

Waxing vs shaving: why a little prep pays off

If you're used to shaving, waxing can feel like more effort at first. But it has real advantages once you're in a routine:

• Longer-lasting results. Shaving cuts hair at the surface, so stubble returns within a day or two. Waxing removes hair from the root, so most people stay smooth for three to four weeks.
• No daily routine. No more shaving in the shower every other day, or discovering a missed patch on your knee.
• Softer regrowth. Regrowth after waxing grows back with a tapered tip rather than a blunt, shaved edge, so it often feels softer.
• Less razor rash. No razor means no razor burn or nicks.

The only catch is the grow-out period before your first wax. Once you're on a regular schedule, that disappears.

Your first wax: what to bring and expect

For a first appointment, you don't need to bring anything special. Just arrive a few minutes early, wear comfortable clothes and let us know it's your first time. We'll explain what we're doing as we go, check your skin and answer any questions before we start.

If you're booking an intimate wax, you may also find it helpful to read what to expect at your first Brazilian or Hollywood — it covers the most common first-timer worries.

How often should you wax?

Most people rebook every 4–6 weeks. Staying on a regular routine keeps your hair growth in sync, so each wax tends to be quicker and more comfortable — and many people find their regrowth becomes finer over time.

Our waxing prices

Thinking about an intimate wax? Our guide to Brazilian vs Hollywood waxing explains exactly what each one involves.

Frequently asked questions

Can I shave between waxes?

It's best not to. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface and puts it out of sync with your waxing routine, so your next wax may be less effective.

Should I take a painkiller before waxing?

Some people choose to take their usual over-the-counter pain relief beforehand. If you have any health conditions or take medication, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

How long does waxing last?

Usually around 3–4 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows.

Do you wax men?

Yes. Men's waxing starts from R250 depending on the area — message us with the area and we'll confirm the price.

The bottom line

Good waxing is a team effort: you arrive with the right hair length and happy skin, and we work quickly and hygienically to get you smooth with as little discomfort as possible.

We're in Lansdowne, Cape Town — easy to reach from Claremont, Wynberg and Athlone. Browse our waxing menu or message us on WhatsApp to book.